Martin Allen shouts instructions but Gillingham's record-breaking unbeaten run came to an end at Cheltenham on Saturday. Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

Gillingham manager Martin Allen hailed his “fantastic” team after their long unbeaten away record came to an end on Saturday.

The Gills had set a club record by going 14 games unbeaten in the Football League.

Before Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Cheltenham they hadn’t lost a league game away since October 23, when they suffered a 2-1 defeat at Torquay.

Allen said: “We lost against Torquay with a shot from about 50 yards on the wing, which was a complete fluke, after dominating that game and we have been resilient, like we showed on Saturday, throughout the season.

“This is what we have done all season. We have stood together as men and they have worked tirelessly. The players deserve everything and all the praise they are getting.

“They have been fantastic and it has been a pleasure to work with them, it’s been a pleasure to be their manager. I don’t even do anything, really, I just watch them, say hi to them, pick a team and they get on with it.”